How it works, when to use it, where it’s available, & other vital information

The name says it all. Text to 911 is a free service that allows you to send SMS messages to 911 operators in an emergency.

This system is crucial for those situations where speaking over the phone is difficult or impossible, but unfortunately, it has yet to be adopted nationwide.

If you happen to live somewhere that supports the service or you’d simply like to learn about it, today’s article is for you. Below, we’ll cover how to use text to 911, when to use it, what states have it, and a safe, reliable alternative.

How to Text to 911

Text to 911 is as simple as texting a friend or loved one, but there are a few key differences and rules to keep in mind.

As usual, you’ll need to type 911 in the “To” bar in your messages app (no spaces or hyphens). When you draft your message, let them know if you are deaf or hard of hearing, explain your emergency and the service you need, and finish with your complete address. This will ensure you get the help you need as soon as possible.

Just be sure to avoid using abbreviations and emojis, sending gifs, pictures, and videos, and adding the 911 number to group chats.

Once you’ve sent your initial message, a dispatcher on the other end will ask you questions about your emergency. Answer them as best you can, and they’ll dispatch the appropriate first response team. 

You can also ask them questions about how to handle your current situation, such as how to care for yourself or someone who’s injured, if you should stay put or move to a different location, etc.

Why Use Text to 911?

Text to 911 was created with two main factors in mind. 

First, it’s a great resource for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, as traditional phone calls are typically off the table and it’s a faster alternative than TTYs and telecommunications relay services. 

Second, text to 911 can also be critical in emergencies where the victim can’t speak out loud without putting themselves in danger. A quick, quiet text conversation may be a lifesaver in situations where there’s an intruder or active shooter.

Outside of these scenarios, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends always calling 911, as phone calls are a faster and more effective way to share information. 

Where is Text to 911 Available?

Although there is a push from the FCC to roll out text to 911 nationwide, over half the states in the US have yet to adopt it. Currently, it’s only available in select areas of the following 19 states:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Washington
  

The remaining states (aside from New Mexico) are all working on getting text to 911 up and running. Many of them have already set the service up in various counties, it’s just not available statewide yet.

As for New Mexico, according to a 2018 article from KFOX14, the state has plans to upgrade their 911 service, but hasn’t yet applied for federal funding to implement the text to 911 system. 

And if you’re wondering what happens if you try texting 911 in an area where it’s not supported, the answer is pretty simple: 

You’ll receive what’s called a “bounce-back message,” much like when you send an email to an invalid address. Your carrier will text you back, letting you know your message didn’t go through to your local 911 call center and recommending calling or using another method.

Is There a Safe, Widely-Available Alternative to Text to 911?

With text to 911 service still so spotty across the US, what can you do to get in touch with 911 quickly and discreetly?

As it turns out, there’s a much faster way to get help in an emergency—twenty times faster than both texting and calling 911, in fact.

It’s called the Rescu app, and it gives you the power to dispatch emergency responders to your current location anywhere in the US, no talking required. Just two taps on your smartphone or Apple Watch, and help will be on its way within seconds. 

Quiet, discreet, and lightning-fast.

Simply select the service you need (fire, police, or ambulance) and then tap Send Alert, and Rescu’s 24/7 private monitoring center will instantly contact and dispatch the nearest first response team.

At the same time, the app sends your pre-registered personal and medical information to emergency personnel so they can provide the unique care you need when they arrive. 

If you want or need to give your dispatcher more information, you’ll always have the option to open a two-way text chat with them as soon as you send an alert. That way, you can provide necessary context, ask for advice, and have someone to talk you through the emergency.

You’ll never have to worry about whether service is available in your area. You’ll never have to worry about delayed response times.

With Rescu, you can be confident in your emergency response system and your personal safety. That’s the peace of mind of help always being just two taps away.

You can find more information about Rescu, including customer reviews, on our website. And if you’d like to download today, simply use the buttons below!